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Cubs Set to Sign Bobby Howry Officially – Um, to Major League Deal

Contrary to my own speculation – you know, perfectly logical, understandable speculation – the impending Bobby Howry signing will not be for a minor league deal, despite his implosion in Arizona this year. No, it will be for a major league deal, and he’s expected to join the bullpen as early as today.

The Chicago Cubs will sign veteran relief pitcher Bob Howry to a contract on Friday before they take the field against the Texas Rangers for a three-game series, according to a source close to Howry.

Howry, who’s previously pitched for the Cubs and Chicago White Sox, was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks last weekend. The 36-year-old veteran mostly likely will be used in the sixth and seventh innings by manager Lou Piniella. ESPN Chicago.

Obviously this screams desperation – but then again, I guess the Cubs are desperate.

It also screams disaster. Howry had absolutely nothing this year in Arizona, and although his 2009 season in San Francisco was good, it was undoubtedly park-inflated (or deflated, I guess). Before that, he was with the Cubs, and, well, is there anyone here who remembers him fondly?

Howry’s arrival will spell doom for one of the arms in the pen, and although we’d love it to be John Grabow, there’s little hope there. Most likely, recent-arrival Jeff Stevens will head on back to AAA Iowa after a very brief stay with the big club.

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